'Russia's Military Setback is Apparent' - France Estimates 150,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in Ukraine

France has estimated that 150,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, according to Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne in an interview published on Friday.

In a conversation with the Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe, Sejourne stated that Paris assessed the total Russian casualties, including the wounded, at 500,000 since the beginning of the war, now in its third year.

"Europe and its partners will remain united and determined, for as long as necessary. Russia's military setback is already apparent. We estimate Russian military losses at 500,000, including 150,000 deaths," he said.

"All of this for what?" he asked. "This can be summed up in two words: for nothing," he added.

Russia has not disclosed information on its casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed in February that 180,000 Russian troops had been killed in the war.

According to Britain's estimates, approximately 450,000 Russians have been killed or wounded in Ukraine.

The BBC reported in April that more than 50,000 Russian military personnel have died, citing its own reporters, independent media group Mediazona, and volunteers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a "special military operation" at dawn on February 24, 2022, which has since evolved into a bloody attrition war, isolating Russia from the West.

Some military analysts believe that Russia could be on the brink of launching a major new offensive in Ukraine.

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Putin said it had been deployed "in a non-nuclear hypersonic configuration" and said that the "test" had been successful and had hit its target.

Discussing frozen Russian assets in the European Union, Sejourne reaffirmed that the funds could be used to finance Ukraine's defense against the invasion but did not provide specifics.

"With the rise in rates, these assets have generated almost 4 billion euros in revenue in 2023. We want them to be used to finance defense and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine."

Novaya Gazeta Europe was founded by exiled journalists from Russia's top independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.